The Effects of Age On Static and Dynamic Postural Balance After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose: With age, the dysfunctions in somatosensory system cause increases in postural sway. It is not known how static and dynamic balance parameters and postural sway are affected after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in elderly people. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of age on static and dynamic postural balance after TKA. Methods: Fifty-four patients who underwent TKA were recruited. Of the patients, 26 were in Group 1 (<65 years old) and 28 were in Group 2 (≥65 years old). Assessments of static and dynamic balance tests were performed by using the Smart Balance Master test device. Results: When the static balance assessment was performed on a foam surface, Group 1 patients had lower postural sway than Group 2 patients (p<0.05). In the dynamic balance assessment; Group 1 patients had significantly better performance than Group 2 patients during the evaluations of some parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that balance assessment might be a guide while proper balance training programs are planned in order to prevent complications such as falls etc. likely to occur after TKA due to increased postural sways in elderly patients.